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What is the primary mechanism by which organisms adapt to their environment?
What is the primary mechanism by which organisms adapt to their environment?
What is the term for the transmission of traits from one generation to the next through the passing of genetic information?
What is the term for the transmission of traits from one generation to the next through the passing of genetic information?
What is the term for the movement of genes from one population to another, leading to genetic changes?
What is the term for the movement of genes from one population to another, leading to genetic changes?
What is the term for the random change in the frequency of a gene or genetic trait in a population over time?
What is the term for the random change in the frequency of a gene or genetic trait in a population over time?
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What is the term for the chronological record of fossils, showing the gradual changes in life forms over time?
What is the term for the chronological record of fossils, showing the gradual changes in life forms over time?
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What is the term for the study of the structure and development of body parts in different species, revealing similarities and homologies?
What is the term for the study of the structure and development of body parts in different species, revealing similarities and homologies?
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What is the term for the study of DNA and protein sequences, demonstrating the relatedness of different species?
What is the term for the study of DNA and protein sequences, demonstrating the relatedness of different species?
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What is the term for the study of the geographic distribution of species, which can be explained by their evolutionary history?
What is the term for the study of the geographic distribution of species, which can be explained by their evolutionary history?
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What is the term for the scientifically supported theory that all species of life have developed from a common ancestor?
What is the term for the scientifically supported theory that all species of life have developed from a common ancestor?
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What is the term for the process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to their offspring?
What is the term for the process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to their offspring?
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Study Notes
Evolution
Definition
- Evolution: the scientifically supported theory that all species of life have developed from a common ancestor through the process of natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow.
Key Principles
- Descent with modification: all living organisms share a common ancestor and have evolved over time through the accumulation of genetic changes.
- Variation and mutation: genetic variation exists within populations, and mutations can occur, providing the raw material for evolution.
- Heritability: the transmission of traits from one generation to the next through the passing of genetic information.
- Adaptation: the process by which organisms become better suited to their environment, increasing their chances of survival and reproduction.
Mechanisms of Evolution
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Natural selection: the process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to their offspring.
- Artificial selection: human-induced selection, such as in breeding programs.
- Genetic drift: the random change in the frequency of a gene or genetic trait in a population over time.
- Gene flow: the movement of genes from one population to another, leading to genetic changes.
- Mutation: changes in the DNA sequence of an individual, which can result in new traits or changes to existing ones.
Evidence for Evolution
- Fossil record: the chronological record of fossils, showing the gradual changes in life forms over time.
- Comparative anatomy: the study of the structure and development of body parts in different species, revealing similarities and homologies.
- Molecular biology: the study of DNA and protein sequences, demonstrating the relatedness of different species.
- Biogeography: the study of the geographic distribution of species, which can be explained by their evolutionary history.
Types of Evolution
- Microevolution: small-scale changes within a population over a relatively short period of time.
- Macroevolution: large-scale changes over a longer period of time, resulting in the formation of new species.
- Co-evolution: the evolution of two or more species that interact closely, such as predator and prey.
Evolution
Definition
- Evolution is the scientifically supported theory that all species of life have developed from a common ancestor through natural processes.
Key Principles
- All living organisms share a common ancestor and have evolved over time through genetic changes.
- Genetic variation exists within populations, and mutations can occur, providing the raw material for evolution.
- Traits are transmitted from one generation to the next through the passing of genetic information.
- Organisms adapt to their environment, increasing their chances of survival and reproduction.
Mechanisms of Evolution
- Natural selection: individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to their offspring.
- Artificial selection: human-induced selection, such as in breeding programs.
- Genetic drift: random change in gene frequency in a population over time.
- Gene flow: movement of genes from one population to another, leading to genetic changes.
- Mutation: changes in DNA sequence, resulting in new traits or changes to existing ones.
Evidence for Evolution
- Fossil record: chronological record of fossils, showing gradual changes in life forms over time.
- Comparative anatomy: study of body part structure and development in different species, revealing similarities and homologies.
- Molecular biology: study of DNA and protein sequences, demonstrating the relatedness of different species.
- Biogeography: study of geographic distribution of species, explained by their evolutionary history.
Types of Evolution
- Microevolution: small-scale changes within a population over a relatively short period of time.
- Macroevolution: large-scale changes over a longer period of time, resulting in the formation of new species.
- Co-evolution: evolution of two or more species that interact closely, such as predator and prey.
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Description
Test your understanding of the fundamental principles of evolution, including descent with modification, variation, mutation, and gene flow.
